Review by Steve Bennett

Madame Galina is something of an intimidating creation.

This domineering and short-tempered Russian prima ballerina literally demands the audience adulation she thrives on, and will cajole and bully whoever it takes to get it.

Oh, and if you didn't already know, she's really an overweight bloke - Lestyn Edwards - in a tutu. Though he's surprisingly light on his feet.

Edwards infuses a certain camp energy into the proceedings, but it's still difficult for the audience to really warm to such a needy, self-centred creation - even if it is just an act.

That mans that there's a fair bit of uncomfortable shuffling when volunteers are called for - as there's a certain feeling, possibly rightly, that she's seeking audience embarrassment as much as audience participation.

And that's especially true when paying punters are as sparse as they were at this performance.

Once the main victims have been chosen, though, everyone else can relax as the show starts its neat arc towards the impressive ballet display that brings the show to a climax.

Along the way, Madame Galina tries to explain the basics of ballet to her reluctant students so they might appreciate her talents better. She even goes as far as to say exactly when whooping and cheering is called for in a 'spontaneous' display of awe.

Again, this rabble-rousing depends on a certain amount of energy in return from the audience, which was never really forthcoming from such depleted numbers, so the lively spirit never really took hold.

The finale is a virtuoso display of the ballerina's art, all the more impressive for who is performing it. This is a real showstopping routine - though it's not comedy any more - and gives proceedings a much-needed lift, though a little too late to be of any use.

Review date: 1 Jan 2002
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett